16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.17 But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God,[a] just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy.18 Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

1 I cry out to the Lord;I plead for the Lord’s mercy.2 I pour out my complaints before himand tell him all my troubles.3 When I am overwhelmed,you alone know the way I should turn.Wherever I go,my enemies have set traps for me.4 I look for someone to come and help me,but no one gives me a passing thought!No one will help me;no one cares a bit what happens to me.5 Then I pray to you, O Lord.I say, “You are my place of refuge.You are all I really want in life.6 Hear my cry,for I am very low.Rescue me from my persecutors,for they are too strong for me.7 Bring me out of prisonso I can thank you.The godly will crowd around me,for you are good to me.”